Reviewing the draft: New York Giants

TFY Draft Preview

07/04/2004

Tom Coughlin's first draft with the New York Giants was destined to offer impact. New York had been rumored as a candidate to move up for a shot at either Eli Manning. How they would ultimately acquire the passer was predicted by few. Already active in free agency, Coughlin was clearly trying to remake the Giants into a team he felt comfortable with, even at a costly price.

After the Chargers selected Eli Manning
with the first overall selection the Giants found themselves with little choice
but to acquire Phillip Rivers, the player the Chargers coveted, and swing a deal
with San Diego for Manning's services. Trading Rivers along with a third
round pick from this year's draft as well as a first and fifth round selection
next year, was a very steep price to pay for any player. And though Manning is
an intelligent and accurate pocket passer who must focus more on his deep
throws, he is not as polished as his brother Peyton. In his own right Eli
is a top prospect but the Giants paid heavily to acquire his services.Guard Chris Sneewas the Giants second
round selection and while the issue of nepotism with Tom Coughlin has been
raised (Snee fathered a child with Coughlin's daughter) there is no questioning
Snee's ability or value. He has the versatility to play guard and possibly
center. There is also talk of moving him to right tackle if need be. Smart
and physical, Snee should start quickly for the Giants and become a dominant run
blocker.Reggie Torbor, a converted
running back, was never able to translate his incredible athleticism into
production at Auburn, where he played defensive end. Shining in off season
workouts, the Giants pounced on him at the outset of the second day.
Torbor projects best to outside linebacker and may earn time as a pass
rushing end in certain situations. It is likely that a player with his
athleticism will find a way onto the field at the expense of a veteran with a
hefty contract.New York continued to
strengthen their defense selecting safety Gibril Wilson in the fifth
round. A vocal leader who makes football a priority both on and off the
field, Wilson should be an instant Coughlin favorite. Limited as an
athlete, Wislon projects only to strong safety but his work ethic will get him
serious consideration for playing time.Jamaar Taylor gives the Giants a solid developmental possession receiver should his
knee hold up. He could find a spot on the roster as a fifth receiver.Drew Strojny has the body type needed to
play offensive tackle in the NFL but must further develop his technique and
strength. He is a likely candidate for the Giants practice squad and was
good value late in the draft.Isaac Hilton is an athletic defensive end who's biggest hurdle is a lack of
premium competition in college. Even with that Hilton was both productive
as a player and sizzled during combine workouts. Should he add some weight
and strength he could develop into a solid rotational end. As it stands
now, he is little more than an edge rusher whose mental skills must catch-up
with his physical abilities.

New York aggressively pursued the one player
that they coveted at the top of the draft and it is hard to knock the
organization for going out and acquiring that player. In addition to
Manning the Giants also added several athletic defensive prospects that offer
good upside for the future. Chris Snee should be the only player to start
immediately as a rookie but the Giants could have as many as four starters
eventually emerge from this group. This was a solid yet unspectacular
draft but it will always be gauged by the success Eli Manning has on the field
versus what the Giants gave away to acquire him.